Chelsea defender Ola Aina (left) in action during a 2016 pre-season match against Real Madrid in Ann Arbor, Michigan © AFP / Jay LaPrete
ABUJA, Nigeria, Sep 2 – Nigeria have received clearance from FIFA for Chelsea defender Ola Aina to make his international debut in the World Cup qualifier against Cameroon on Monday.
Coach Gernot Rohr said Aina, who can play at right-back or left-back, could now line up in Yaounde as the Super Eagles look for a second victory in four days over Cameroon.
“FIFA have approved Ola Aina who can now play for Nigeria,” Rohr said in Uyo where Nigeria thrashed Cameroon 4-0 on Friday to take a giant stride towards qualification for the finals in Russia.
Aina, who is on a season-long loan at English Championship side Hull City, was scouted by the Super Eagles to fill a gap in the full-back positions.
The player was born in London to Nigerian parents. Although he has a Nigerian passport, he has represented England at various junior levels and so needed to apply to change his international allegiance.
Rohr had hoped to use Aina in the first clash against Cameroon but the FIFA clearance did not arrive in time.
Nigeria have nine points from three matches in Group B in Africa zone qualifying, while Cameroon remain on two points.
Zambia and Algeria have a point each and meet on Saturday in Lusaka.
